Okay, as a human being that has suffered through over a decade of mind melting summers here in central Texas, i am surely not going to complain about the cool weather that we are STILL experiencing in mid April. However, while i appreciate the cool air and the opportunity it provides to make use of most of my wardrobe, this hot / cold dynamic is making for sporadic fishing at best. Still, it has been a relief just to get back out onto some seldom walked trails, framed in splashes of color, courtesy of the wildflowers and budding bald cypress.

Streamer stranded in the cypress at Pedernales.

Unfortunately, as you’ve surely heard, the water situation is much the same as it has been the last few years around central Texas, low and dry. Unless we get some consistent heavy rains things are not looking good for this summer, with both Barton Creek and the Pedernales River are currently looking anything but confident as the imminent heat looms. Still, there are fish to be had, it’s just a matter of waiting to see if they all wake up and start dancing when the weather finally stops swaying back and forth between the extremes which have been the norm lately.

A beautiful red breast teased out of Barton Creek.

Before you head out to wander around with a rod in hand, know that what fish are still around in these clear shallow waters are sharp as tacks. I was reminded of this recently when i spent a good part of my day on Barton Creek. After hooking and losing a three pound specimen below the trickling falls at the top of the run, i proceeded to have him hover near me for the next couple of hours. Sitting just a few feet ahead and to the left of me, he would linger there, staring with contempt as i cast for his fellow neighbors. As soon as one of his fellow fish showed interest in my fly, he would dart over like the Flash and chase them off, likely informing them that there was an angler of ill repute in the water, and that it would be best if they holed up under a log somewhere. Much to my chagrin, this game went on for hours as i methodically worked my way hundreds of yards down the pool, “annoying” is a word that comes to mind.

One of the best spots on earth. Right in the heart of Pedernales Falls.

A week later, an outing at Pedernales proved that the “tricky” factor isn’t limited to the waters of central Austin. Water levels on the Pedernales are some of the lowest i’ve ever seen in years, at least this early in the season. What fish were there were flighty as could be, hauling ass at the faintest sight of a straw hats brim.

They are there for sure, you’re just going to have to work extra hard to make sure that they don’t know that you are there. If you must hit this stretch of wonder (i often feel compelled to myself), i offer the following tips; sparsely tied flies, a sinking leader, the lightest tippet you can get away with and the stalking patience of a great blue heron.

Sinking streamers working magic at Pedernales Falls State Park.

So, they’re tricky, it’s tough, and the odds seemed stacked against us. But then again, if we didn’t enjoy betting against the house, we’d probably be fishing with bait on a lake. I for one would rather wear myself out while trying to work a handful of magic out of these familiar waters, then spend my time trolling hardware behind an Evinrude. I’m guessing that if you’re reading this, you can likely relate.

Anyway, they’re starting to move, so get out there now and reacquaint yourself with those overgrown forks in the trail, follow them until the greenery seems to swallow the trail whole. Pause and make sure nobody is behind you, then plow into the thick of it, and continue until you spill out on to your favorite spot.

2 Responses to “Back in Bass on Homewaters”

I went out to the Pedernales on Tuesday of last week and had an epic time fishing. I was able to spot some sunfish, largemouth, carp, black drum, and a spotted gar.

My luck was best fishing a tiny tiny top water in the rapids sections just below the falls. I was able to bring in a few respectable sunfish and some small bass. Being the water was considerably low I wasn’t expecting much for size.

However in the slower section with a few deeper pools, the drum carp and gar I saw were all easily into the 3-5 lb range! Ever since that outing I have been salivating to go back and explore. I am glad to hear you had some success, and I shall consider employing some more weighted tactics. Thanks for the post!!!

Barton Creek at Lost Creek

Pedernales River at Johnson City

Colorado River at Bastrop

Guadalupe River at Sattler

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Die Fische is a fly fishing blog based out of Austin, Texas. We love exploring our city, the Hill Country, Central Texas and beyond and sharing those adventures with you.
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